AOMORI -- An Aomori-based nebuta craftsman who creates massive lantern floats for the Aomori Nebuta Festival, is trying to cheer people up with daily posts on Instagram of his artwork in Chinese ink and Japanese color paints after this summer's festival was canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The posts by Hiroo Takenami, 60, which reached 100 on Tuesday, depict characters that often adorn the large-scale lantern floats that measure 5 meters in height, 9 meters in width and 7 meters in depth.
Takenami is one of 14 nebuta artists who create the floats, which are often inspired by warrior stories or myths, for the famous festival held in August.
Born in Kizukuri, which is now called Tsugaru, in Aomori Prefecture, Takenami learned to create nebuta works from his master while also working as a pharmacist, and decided to become a nebuta craftsman at the age of 35.
Producing two lantern floats every year for the festival, he is recognized as one of the top artists after winning the best producer award for two consecutive years up until 2019. He has also created nebuta works abroad.
However, as the coronavirus continues to spread -- and for the first time since World War II -- this year's festival was canceled in April.
"This is the time when an artist should create something that will last," he thought, and came up with an idea of using the internet to share his work.
He works in a group when he creates a nebuta float, but considering the situation, he opted for painting in ink as it allows him to work alone. The drawing and coloring of the pieces follow the same procedures as nebuta works and he thought he could explore new ways of expression, he said.
As a subject for his Instagram posts, he chose the god Shoki, who has sharp-looking eyes and a long beard that is said to protect people from plagues. With the hope of defeating the virus, he has drawn the valiant god in different compositions on Japanese paper that is 27 centimeters long and 24 centimeters wide.
Although things didn't always go as planned due to other work, Takenami has continued posting every day since the beginning of June. Those who follow his Instagram have left comments such as, "I am encouraged and given hope from day to day" or, "I look forward to seeing it every day." He has been heartened by such supporters.
The 100 pictures will be compiled on a 2-meter-long, 7-meter-wide folding screen as one large piece.
"People who are waiting for my work have brought me here. I want to meet their expectations by showing new nebuta works at the festival next year," he said.
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